Civilian Immunity in War

Igor Primoratz

The protection of noncombatants from deadly violence is the centrepiece of any account of ethical and legal constraints on war. It was a major achievement of moral progress from early modern times to World War I. Yet it has been under constant attrition since -- perhaps never more so than in our time, with its "new wars'" the specter of weapons of mass destruction and the global terrorism alert. Civilian Immunity in War presents eleven specially written essays on the main aspects of this highly topical subject. Written in a clear and non-technical style, this volume will appeal to students and researchers in philosophy, politics, and law, as well as anyone with an interest in the ethics and legality of war.

Civilian Immunity in War

Igor Primoratz

Description

The protection of noncombatants from deadly violence is the centerpiece of any account of ethical and legal constraints on war. It was a major achievement of moral progress from early modern times to World War I. Yet it has been under constant attrition since -- perhaps never more so than in our time, with its "new wars", the specter of weapons of mass destruction, and the global terrorism alert.

Civilian Immunity in War, written in collaboration by eleven authors, provides the first comprehensive analysis of all main aspects of this highly topical subject. It considers the arguments for rejection of civilian immunity and the main theories of the grounds and proper scope of this immunity, both deontological (just war theory) and consequentialist. Separate chapters examine the historical development of the idea of civilian immunity, its standing in current international law, and the problem of "collateral damage": of harming civilians without intent, as a side-effect of attacks on military targets.

The volume also addresses a string of specific issues. Civilian immunity has undergone much attrition with the development of air warfare and the tendency of military conflict to degenerate into "total" war. On the other hand, modern military technology with its precision guidance missiles and "smart" bombs opens up the possibility of restricting deadly violence to its proper targets and staying clear of civilian life, limb, and property. Another pressing issue is the fate of women in war in light of mass rapes characteristic of some "new wars".

Civilian Immunity in War

Igor Primoratz

Table of Contents

AcknowledgementsNotes on the contributorsIntroductionPart One 1. Civilian immunity in war: its grounds, scope and weight, Igor Primoratz2. Civilians and soldiers, Uwe Steinhoff3. Civilian immunity in war: from Augustine to Vattel, Colm McKeogh4. Civilian immunity in war: legal aspects, David Kretzmer5. Civilian immunity, forcing the choice and collective responsibility, Seumas Miller6. Collateral immunity in war and terrorism, C.A.J. (Tony) CoadyPart Two 7. Air power and non-combatant immunity: the road to Dresden, Stephen A. Garrett8. Civilian immunity in the precision-guidance age, Hugh White9. Civilian immunity in the 'new wars', Paul Gilbert10. Women, war and international law, VéroniqueZanetti11. War and the protection of property, Janna Thompson

Civilian Immunity in War

Igor Primoratz

Reviews and Awards

"This anthology is an excellent discussion of most of the important issues connected with the principle of civilian immunity. It is extensive in its coverage and, in many of the essays, breaks new ground."--Steven P. Lee, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews